Switzerland: Nestle acquires Terrafertil

FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it has acquired the Latin America firm Terrafertil, a company selling natural, organic, plant-based foods and snacks, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in Ecuador in 2005, Terrafertil markets a range of plant-based foods, including fruit and nut snacks, non-dairy milks, grains, nut butters and juices under its flagship Nature’s Heart brand. The firm is the world’s largest buyer of goldenberries (also called cape gooseberry or physalis), described as an Andean superfood high in vitamins and antioxidants.

Nestle said the deal would widen its presence in a fast-growing category in Latin America, the USA and the UK.

Commenting on the deal, Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestle Zone Americas, said: “We are excited to welcome Terrafertil and its employees to the Nestlé family. Its natural, organic and healthy products fully support Nestlé’s purpose to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. This investment allows us to strengthen our presence in fast-growing categories such as plant-based foods, beverages and healthy snacks, known as ‘superfoods’ due to their high natural nutrient content”.

Terrafertil employs 400 people and has factories in four countries. Having expanded its presence from Ecuador to Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and the UK, it entered the US market in 2017 with the purchase of Essential Living Foods.